Latest news with #ApacheCounty
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Four people dead in medical transport plane crash near New Mexico, Arizona border
ARIZONA (KRQE) — The remains of four people, who were killed when a medical transport plane crashed near the Arizona and New Mexico border on Tuesday afternoon, were escorted to the Green Meadows Funeral Home by Navajo Police Department officers and Apache County sheriffs on Wednesday morning. The aircraft was on the way to pick up a patient from a nearby hospital when the crash happened near the Chinle Airport at about 12:40 p.m. Next of kin has been notified by the Albuquerque aircraft company, CSI Aviation. There were no survivors. CSI Aviation released the following statement on Wednesday morning: 'It is with deep sadness that we confirm the loss of an aircraft resulting in the deaths of four CSI Aviation crew members, including two pilots and two healthcare providers. On the fifth of August 2025 at approximately 2:20pm, near Chinle, AZ, a CSI Aviation King Air that was dispatched to provide air ambulance services to patients in Eastern Arizona, was lost. Emergency responders arrived promptly at the scene, and recovery operations are ongoing. There were no patients or passengers on the aircraft. We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of those affected by this devastating event. Support services will be made available to families and our team. An investigation is underway in coordination with relevant authorities, including the National Transportation Safety Board , the Federal Aviation Administration, and local law enforcement. CSI Aviation is cooperating fully with the investigation. Safety is our highest priority, and we are committed to transparency as the investigation progresses. We ask for patience and privacy for the families during this difficult time.' — CSI Aviation The cause of the crash is not known at this time. The National Traffic Safety Bureau and Federal Aviation Administration is investigating. Witnesses to the accident or those who have surveillance video or other information that could be relevant to the investigation are asked to contact the NTSB at witness@ Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
06-08-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
4 killed in medical plane crash near Chinle Airport in northeast Arizona
Four people were killed when a medical transport plane crashed near Chinle Airport, the Navajo Police Department said. The small, dual-propeller aircraft was heading to pick up a patient from a nearby hospital when it crashed and caught on fire around 12:40 p.m. on Aug. 5, police said. 'This is a tragic loss to the families of those onboard and to the medical air and first responder community,' Navajo police said in a social media post. 'We extend our deepest condolences to their family and loved ones during this time.' The passengers were 'non-local," police said. The Albuquerque aircraft company CSI Aviation conducted next-of-kin notifications, according to police. The reason for the crash was unknown, as of Aug. 5. The National Traffic Safety Bureau and the Federal Aviation Administration were set to investigate the crash, police said. The Navajo Police Department Chinle District responded to the crash as did Navajo EMS and Navajo Nation Fire & Rescue Services, police said. Chinle Airport, located in Apache County, is owned by the Navajo Nation, according to the Navajo Nation Division of Transportation. Arizona has seen several municipal airport crashes in the past year, including in Scottsdale and Marana. Stephanie Murray covers national politics and the Trump administration for The Arizona Republic and Reach her via email at and on X, Bluesky, TikTok and Threads @stephanie_murr. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: AZ medical transport plane crash near Chinle Airport leaves 4 dead Solve the daily Crossword


Fox News
11-06-2025
- Business
- Fox News
SEN RUBEN GALLEGO: Nuclear is the future – so why are Republicans blocking it?
When I visited St. Johns, Arizona – population 3,417 – last month, I wasn't just stopping in a quiet town on the edge of Apache County. I was visiting a community that could help unleash the next era of American energy. With the right investment, St. Johns could be home to one of the nation's first small modular reactors, also known as SMRs, which are the next generation nuclear technology designed for safety, flexibility, and cost efficiency. But today, as our need for energy security grows, Congress is moving in the opposite direction by undermining bipartisan progress on nuclear power when we need it most. Even President Donald Trump's administration has endorsed a nuclear "renaissance." So why are Republicans in Congress advancing legislation that would slash support for the very technologies he is championing? The Case for SMRs Small modular reactors represent a significant leap in nuclear innovation. Unlike traditional large plants, SMRs are factory-produced, shipped in pieces, and assembled on site. This modular approach cuts construction time and costs, while making nuclear power viable in more locations—including former coal-fired generating stations like in St. Johns. SMRs are designed with robust safety features. They're built underground, reducing the risk of external threats, and require less frequent refueling, minimizing the handling and transport of nuclear materials. They can also work in tandem with renewable sources to provide stable backup when solar and wind aren't available. These are just some of the benefits of SMRs recognized by the Department of Energy and the International Atomic Energy Agency. Good-Paying, Union Jobs Investing in nuclear isn't just about boosting our energy supply, it's about creating good-paying, permanent jobs. One study at the Coronado Generating Station in St. Johns found that replacing coal plants with SMRs could preserve 77% of current jobs with no additional licensing required, while creating more than 650 new, permanent jobs. More importantly, these are union jobs—98% of existing nuclear jobs are unionized. That means secure, high-paying careers that support working families with first-class health insurance and full pensions in communities often left behind during the energy transition. This kind of long-term economic benefit is exactly what the Apache County leaders I talked with are excited about. This impact could scale. Another study has found that a single 100-megawatt SMR can generate up to 7,000 jobs and over $1 billion in economic activity. For former coal towns across the country, SMRs could offer not just survival—but renewal. Republicans in Congress have long insisted that we cannot leave coal communities behind in the energy transition, and rightly so. So why are they pushing forward an agenda that kills SMRs? The Problems with House Republicans' Plan We've made real bipartisan progress on nuclear energy in recent years. The CHIPS and Science Act included $800 million to support coal-to-nuclear projects, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) created tax credits for advanced nuclear projects, and the ADVANCE Act, signed into law last year, streamlined licensing for new reactors. But right now, Republicans in the House are threatening to set us back decades. They have proposed funding cuts to the Department of Energy's Loan Program Office and taking away tax credits for nuclear facilities. These programs are not luxuries—they are necessities. Nuclear projects require significant capital and long development timelines. Without government support, most private investors will walk away. These cuts could freeze SMR development before it gets off the ground. This Should be Bipartisan; Democrats Aren't Without Fault Too often, Democrats have fallen into the trap of making it seem as though investing in the clean energy transition is only about appeasing costal elites concerned about climate change. But as we work to decarbonize our electric grid and protect the planet for future generations, we cannot leave behind the hardworking Americans whose livelihoods currently depend on the fossil fuels industry. That's why I believe investing in our energy future can and should be a bipartisan goal, which is why I supported the confirmation of Secretary Wright. I also pressed him on protecting SMR investments and ensuring consistent funding for nuclear projects. There's no reason this issue should divide Congress. Nuclear energy delivers clean power, strengthens our grid, supports union labor, and revitalizes forgotten communities. That's a rare combination – one both parties should rally behind. What's Next? If the United States wants to remain competitive and secure, we need to do more than protect the progress we've made. We must cut red tape and streamline permitting without sacrificing safety or community input. We also need to foster domestic innovation and onshore the supply chain for nuclear components, so that our energy security does not depend on unfriendly nations. China and Russia already have operational SMRs. The U.S. must catch up. I will keep fighting for these goals in the Senate, but Congress must step up. This isn't about ideology. It's about power—literally. Keeping the lights on, keeping our economy humming, and keeping our promises to workers across the country.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
AZ Gov. Katie Hobbs meets with officials in charge of Greer fire as it reaches 16,000 acres
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs declared a state of emergency for Apache County the same morning she visited the site of the Greer fire, which has scorched nearly 16,000 acres of forest in eastern Arizona. Wearing a state forestry 'fire' cap and a black jacket bearing the state seal, Hobbs toured the area where strong winds have fueled the fire's rapid growth over the past five days. The same morning, Hobbs released an emergency fund of $200,000 to help support the state's response to the fire. Hobbs also ordered the State of Arizona Emergency Response and Recovery Plan to send resources to the fire. At the time of Hobbs' visit, the fire remained at 0% containment. The meeting concluded with Hobbs thanking firefighters for their ongoing service, and crediting good planning across numerous official agencies for responding quickly to the fire. "Everything we heard today is such a testament to the partnership and the coordination that doesn't just happen in the middle of a catastrophic incident," said Hobbs. She also vowed support for those who lost homes as a result of the fire. "I'm committed to helping ensure those families have the resources they need post-fire, she said." She added that this fire would help inform operations for the rest of wildfire season in Arizona. "I know we're all expecting a bad season," Hobbs added. Hobbs began her visit with a briefing at an American Legion hall, where she received a comprehensive update on the wildfire from various state and local officials. Lance Elmore, operations section chief for the fire, explained that crews had successfully used nearby roads and highways to create fire lines and help prevent the blaze from spreading into untouched forest areas. Part of his role also involved assessing nearby structures for their potential risk of being affected by the fire. "We do have a structure group that's been out in the south of Eager... accessing houses and making triage," said Elmore. Eric Johnson, a fire behavior analyst with the incident management team, noted the fire could grow due to the heavy winds, but cited constructive firefighting efforts at reducing that risk. Winds could push the fire east through the Little Colorado River Canyon, which Johnson described as difficult to access terrain. He added that further spread of the fire in the canyon could push it directly into the town of Eager. "This weekend's wind is going to be a test for all the firefighting efforts that have gone on until this point," said Johnson. Heavy winds could carry embers from the fire miles away and start new spot fires that quickly increase its size. But Johnson added that some relief would come early next week with a small chance of rain in the area. After officials wrapped up their operational update, Hobbs was invited to ask questions. She asked the crews about their biggest challenge in battling the fire: "You've all talked about how well everything is working... I'm just curious, what is the biggest challenge being faced right now?" Officials had a clear response. The weather. She referenced the emergency order and asked if there were any unmet needs in the firefighting efforts, also acknowledging the possibility of a worst-case scenario in which the fire could advance toward Eagar and Springerville. "I don't want to jinx anything, so I'm going to knock of this plastic table and pretend it's wood," Hobbs said. Sgt. Andrew Orona of the Apache County Sheriff's Office said deputies have an evacuation plan ready in case the fire moves toward nearby communities. "I've put more time into evacuation maps than you can imagine," Orona said. He outlined designated zones across the region, with each deputy assigned to individually handle evacuations in their area. He also worked closely with fire officials to continuously monitor the fire's threat to nearby communities. "I don't want to get caught behind if something does happen," Orona added. Brannon Eager, town manager from the town of Eager, addressed the question and expressed concerns that the fire had already burned through a 70-year-old gravity fed water supply for the town. He said that water supply was used for firefighting efforts. "That water source from that water line is a big deal to us," said Eager He added that the communities irrigation system for farms could also be impacted by the wildfire, as crews driving heavy equipment may have damaged other water supply lines. Reach reporter Rey Covarrubias Jr. at rcovarrubias@ Follow him on X, Threads and Bluesky @ReyCJrAZ. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: What fire officials told AZ Gov. Katie Hobbs about Greer fire


CNN
14-05-2025
- Politics
- CNN
Arizona wildfire burns more than 2,000 acres
Arizona wildfire burns more than 2,000 acres A wildfire in Apache County, Arizona has burned more than 2,000 acres and destroyed multiple structures, with several areas under evacuation orders, according to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. 00:30 - Source: CNN Syrians react after Trump says he plans to lift sanctions President Donald Trump announced he plans to lift sanctions on Syria during a speech in Saudi Arabia citing the fall of the Assad regime as grounds for the release of pressure on the country. Syrians spared little time before celebrating. 00:51 - Source: CNN Coates describes moment Cassie cried on the stand Cassie Ventura, the former girlfriend of Sean 'Diddy' Combs and one of his accusers, testified in his federal criminal trial. CNN's Laura Coates breaks down key moments from her testimony. 00:52 - Source: CNN New book reveals 'shocking' claim that Biden didn't recognize Clooney President Joe Biden did not recognize George Clooney when he arrived for a record-breaking June 2024 fundraiser the movie star was co-hosting, according to a forthcoming book from CNN's Jake Tapper and Axios' Alex Thompson. 01:06 - Source: CNN Tensions rise at Newark ICE detention facility Protests have continued outside Delaney Hall ICE detention center in Newark, New Jersey, days after Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested for protesting at the site. 01:17 - Source: CNN Trump meets with Saudi crown prince President Donald Trump is in Riyadh visiting with the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on his first international trip of his second term. CNN's Kaitlan Collins explains what Trump is hoping to accomplish. 01:07 - Source: CNN See Edan Alexander's reunion with family after release Edan Alexander, the last known living American hostage in Gaza, was released by Hamas and reunited with his family on Monday, ending an 18-month ordeal that began with the militant group's October 7 attack. 00:40 - Source: CNN Trump's 'unprecedented' trade deal Just days ago, a de-escalation between the US and China seemed completely impossible. CNN's Phil Mattingly explains how the two countries got to the negotiating table and what it tells us about President Donald Trump's strategy moving forward. 01:32 - Source: CNN Pope Leo XIV sings first Regina Caeli prayer Pope Leo XIV delivered a 'message of peace' in his first Sunday blessing and led the faithful crowd in the Regina Caeli ('Queen of Heaven') prayer for the first time, surprising those gathered by singing part of the prayer. 00:39 - Source: CNN ICE arrest sparks chaos as crowd tried to intervene A chaotic scene unfolded in Worcester, Massachusetts, as onlookers attempted to intervene in an ICE raid, leading to the additional arrest of a 16-year-old teenager and another woman who was charged with assault and battery on a police officer. 01:35 - Source: CNN Analysis: Ceasefire may reveal Putin's goals CNN's Nick Paton Walsh explains that Ukraine's and European allies' demand for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire will pressure President Trump into seeing what President Putin's real goals are in Russia's war of choice. 01:35 - Source: CNN Analysis: How the India-Pakistan surprise ceasefire came about The India-Pakistan conflict was taking a dramatic turn for the worse. Until a surprise ceasefire was announced. CNN's Chief Global Affairs Correspondent Matthew Chance looks at how the truce came about. 01:21 - Source: CNN Utah is first state to ban decades-old health policy Utah becomes the first state to ban fluoride in public drinking water. CNN's Meg Tirrell reports on why the state is pivoting away from decades-old health policy despite concerns the ban will lead to a rise in health complications, especially among young children from low-income families. 01:13 - Source: CNN First cargo ships facing 145% tariffs arrive in LA Ships now pulling into LA's harbor from China are the first to be subject to massive tariffs. Shipments have dropped by 50%. CNN's Nick Watt is on the ground at the port of Los Angeles. 01:00 - Source: CNN Pilot of crashed plane describes what it was like being rescued from alligator-infested swamp Pablo Andrés Velarde, a pilot in Bolivia, emergency landed his plane after an engine failure but it was no paved tarmac that awaited the plane's wheels. Instead, Velarde and passengers found themselves stranded for days in marshland with alligators and snakes. The pilot described to CNN the harrowing rescue that ensued. 01:13 - Source: CNN Inside Terminal B as hundreds of flight delays hit major hub Newark International Airport was faced with pandemonium on Monday after hundreds of flights were delayed and more than 150 canceled following a FAA-ordered ground stop due to low cloud cover. 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Surveillance video obtained by the man's lawyer shows the incident. 01:11 - Source: CNN SpaceX's Starbase seeks Texas city status Starbase is an emerging community in Texas where SpaceX has long conducted its launches. On the brink of becoming an official city, CNN's Ed Lavandera examines how this transformation raises questions about Elon Musk's expanding influence and its implications for the local community and economy. 01:09 - Source: CNN How rich is the Ivy League? The Trump Administration has frozen billions of dollars in federal funding to Ivy League schools. These same institutions have endowments bigger than the GDPs of some small countries. So why do these universities need money from the federal government and what's at stake if they lose it? 02:49 - Source: CNN 'Where's my camera?': Astronaut shares wondrous views from space NASA astronaut Don Pettit describes his love for photography and the images he took in his first press conference since returning from his fourth mission to space. 00:48 - Source: CNN